UNESCO Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

UNESCO has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, communication management, and regional operations.

Driven by a commitment to global collaboration, UNESCO is dedicated to building peace through education, science, culture, and communication, fostering mutual understanding and sustainable development worldwide.

Leadership Roles at UNESCO

  • Chief Executive Officer - Vimla Devi
  • President, The Communication Management Club - GholamReza Kazemidinan
  • President - Syafiq Sahari
  • President of Saint-Petersburgs Section CID - UNESCO - Aelita Kondratova
  • President Club Des Jeunes - Desir Lamarre
  • Chief Information Officer - Taha Moustafa
  • Vimla Devi - Chief Executive Officer

    Vimla Devi, the Chief Executive Officer at UNESCO, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the organization. This leadership role involves aligning all departmental functions with UNESCO's core mission of fostering peace and sustainable development through international cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication. Devi oversees the strategic planning process, ensuring that initiatives effectively address global challenges and promote mutual understanding across nations. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to managing key stakeholder relationships, including governmental bodies and international partners, to secure support and resources for UNESCO's programs. Vimla Devi drives the organization's vision, translating global objectives into actionable plans that enhance UNESCO's impact in its designated fields. This executive position requires a deep understanding of international relations and a commitment to advancing the organization's mandate across diverse cultural and political landscapes.

    GholamReza Kazemidinan - President, The Communication Management Club

    GholamReza Kazemidinan, the President, The Communication Management Club at UNESCO, leads initiatives focused on enhancing communication strategies and management practices within the organization and its affiliated networks. This position involves developing and implementing frameworks that ensure effective dissemination of information and foster robust dialogue across diverse sectors. Kazemidinan oversees programs designed to build capacity in communication management, supporting UNESCO's objectives in education, science, culture, and communication. The President, The Communication Management Club's responsibilities include fostering collaboration among communication professionals and promoting best practices in information exchange. GholamReza Kazemidinan drives the strategic direction of communication efforts, ensuring alignment with UNESCO's global mission and enhancing its public engagement and outreach capabilities across various regions.

    Syafiq Sahari - President

    Syafiq Sahari, the President at UNESCO, spearheads strategic initiatives and operational oversight for designated organizational sectors. This leadership role involves guiding key programs that advance UNESCO's mission in fostering peace and sustainable development through international cooperation. Sahari directs efforts to strengthen global partnerships and enhance the impact of UNESCO's work in education, science, culture, and communication. The President's responsibilities include ensuring programmatic coherence and driving innovation across various projects and regional operations. Syafiq Sahari champions the organization's values, working to promote mutual understanding and cultural diversity on a global scale. This executive function is integral to advancing UNESCO's mandate and achieving its long-term objectives in critical areas of human endeavor.

    Aelita Kondratova - President of Saint-Petersburgs Section CID - UNESCO

    Aelita Kondratova, the President of Saint-Petersburgs Section CID - UNESCO at UNESCO, directs regional operations and strategic development for the Saint Petersburg section. This role focuses on implementing UNESCO's global objectives within the specific cultural and educational context of the region. Kondratova oversees programs related to education, science, culture, and communication, fostering local partnerships and promoting international understanding. The President of Saint-Petersburgs Section CID - UNESCO's responsibilities include managing regional initiatives, ensuring their alignment with broader organizational goals, and enhancing UNESCO's presence and impact in the area. Aelita Kondratova drives local engagement, working to advance peace and sustainable development through targeted regional activities and collaborations.
    Aelita Kondratova

    Desir Lamarre - President Club Des Jeunes

    Desir Lamarre, the President Club Des Jeunes at UNESCO, leads initiatives focused on youth engagement and development within the organization's framework. This position involves empowering young individuals and fostering their participation in activities that promote peace, education, science, culture, and communication. Lamarre oversees programs designed to cultivate leadership skills and encourage active citizenship among youth globally. The President Club Des Jeunes' responsibilities include developing strategies to connect with and support young leaders, ensuring their voices are heard and integrated into UNESCO's broader mission. Desir Lamarre drives youth-centric projects, working to inspire a new generation committed to sustainable development and intercultural dialogue.

    Taha Moustafa - Chief Information Officer

    Taha Moustafa, the Chief Information Officer at UNESCO, architects and manages the organization's technological infrastructure and digital strategy. This critical role ensures that information systems support UNESCO's global operations, facilitating seamless communication and data management across all programs. Moustafa oversees the implementation of secure and efficient IT solutions, including data analytics platforms and communication networks, essential for cross-nationally comparable statistics on education, science, culture, and communication. The Chief Information Officer's purview includes safeguarding sensitive organizational data and ensuring compliance with international digital standards. Taha Moustafa drives technological innovation, enabling UNESCO to leverage digital tools for enhanced outreach and operational effectiveness. This leadership position is vital for maintaining the integrity and accessibility of information that underpins UNESCO's mission.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding UNESCO Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads UNESCO?
    UNESCO is led by Vimla Devi (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as GholamReza Kazemidinan (President, The Communication Management Club) and Syafiq Sahari (President).
    Who is part of UNESCO’s executive team?
    The executive team of UNESCO includes leaders such as Vimla Devi (Chief Executive Officer), GholamReza Kazemidinan (President, The Communication Management Club), Syafiq Sahari (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does UNESCO have?
    UNESCO has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in UNESCO’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of UNESCO includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President, The Communication Management Club, President, President of Saint-Petersburgs Section CID - UNESCO, President Club Des Jeunes.